Cape Town Drug Counseling Centre Continues Resilient Fight Against Addiction!

It is discovered that one of South Africa’s major problems is drug addiction, particularly amongst young people. Drug abuse comes with many side effects, spanning from addiction, physical and psychological illnesses, to inflicting self-harm.

Fortunately, the Cape Town Drug Counseling Centre is there to save the day! Founded in 1985, this outpatient rehabilitation facility has been in operation for 40 years, with branches located in Atlantis and Observatory. Many men and women who have made the decision to improve their lives praise CTDCC for their profound work. 

The Drug Counseling Centre expanded over the years and have attracted the support of several sponsors, which include Bucknell University, the National Lotteries Commission, the Western Cape Community Chest, the City of Cape Town, Strategic Fuel Fund(SFF) a South African state entity with Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes, including substance abuse support projects, and the Department of Social Development in addition to the Western Cape government and the surrounding communities of Cape Town.

There are various categories of drugs, each producing distinct effects on the mind and body. The Cape Town Drug Counseling Centre (CTDCC) offers specialized support for individuals struggling with addiction, tailoring their approach based on the specific substance to which each person is addicted. In the early stages of treatment, the medications prescribed for certain therapies can lead to side effects that may enhance the functioning of the central nervous system. This temporary adjustment can create a sense of imbalance between the body and mind as they begin to realign and heal.

Individuals enduring withdrawal can face a variety of unique and distressing symptoms. For instance, some may find themselves inexplicably flushed, experiencing intense waves of heat that can quickly be followed by cold chills. This rollercoaster of temperature fluctuations can leave them sweating profusely one moment and shivering the next, struggling to find a comfortable balance. In addition, they might deal with an unsettling itchiness that seems to crawl beneath their skin, further heightening their discomfort. Sleep becomes a distant dream, as they battle intense restlessness and a racing mind, making it nearly impossible to drift off. The agony of these withdrawal symptoms can be so overwhelming that many individuals feel trapped in a cycle of suffering, with the only perceived relief coming from the very substance they are trying to move away from. This creates a frustrating dilemma that often leads them to relapse, as the urgency to escape the pain overpowers their resolve to recover.

The Centre has done exceptional work in bridging the gap between escape and resolve. Through the work done by the Centre, many people have found a way to overcome the challenge of addiction and found a refurbished perspective on life. A 38-year-old Male Tik addict in recovery says, “I came to the Centre with the mind-set of just getting through this to please my wife. I know I had a problem, but did not acknowledge the size of it, although I was interested in quitting.

During the first few weeks, I was able to recognise some of the symptoms of addiction in my life. Sometimes I accepted what I learnt, but I rejected a lot because I did not like how it made me see myself. I reasoned that some behaviour was “normal” and certain things that had happened to me were not related to my drug use.

After the lecture on Denial (and behaviour to make excuses) a light went on for me and I could better understand and acknowledge the addict behaviour in my life. It became easier to accept what I was. This made it easier to understand the earlier lectures and apply them to my life.

At the end of the program, I am more accepting of being an addict. Now I am happy to be clean, and my relationships with loved ones are improving. I believe I can, with the help of my wife and others, go safely through life.”

According to Viviene Ewers, who is a receptionist at the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, the methamphetamine—also referred to as TIK—is the most widely used drug. It is a white to transparent crystallized rock that resembles diamonds. She claims that the reason it is popular is that it is more affordable than cocaine and is presumably readily available. 

Data from statistics on drug use in Cape Town indicates that methamphetamine is among the most commonly used substances. The prevalence of drug use has been increasing, contributing to various issues such as crime, suicide, and mental health challenges. The effects of drug use extend beyond individual health, potentially impacting the user’s immediate environment, community, and interpersonal relationships.

The Observatory branch provides a range of conveniently accessible services that are also accessible online. Citizens interested in any assistance can send an email to ctdcc@gmail.com.org.za or contact the Observatory Branch on 021 447 8026 or WhatsApp on 073 755 1913. The Atlantis Branch can be reached on 063 087 2435 (WhatsApp).